I had a short but great trip out to DC a couple of days ago to take Julia and Andrew’s engagement portraits. How lucky am I, that I have a job that flies me to beautiful places to work with beautiful people? Beyond lucky. I am blessed.
Funny thing about life is that you can’t predict the future and you certainly can’t control it. We planned this trip about a month ago in hopes that I would be out there for the cherry blossoms on a lovely warm spring DC day. Ticket was purchased, hotel was booked, and visions of pink blossoms and sunny faces preceded the trip. Little did we know, a nuclear summit would descend upon the city making it insanely crowded or that it would pour rain on the one day I was there for the shoot. Did I also mention I missed the cherry blossoms by about a week? However, there are always silver linings and this day turned out some of the most romantic engagement portraits I’ve made. The rain, the empty parks, the reflection of city traffic in the street, and of course true love. The trip was surreal and the city inspiring. I came home with a hot set of engagement photos and a new love for our nation’s capital.
Thank you, Julia and Andrew for giving me the honor of being your photographer and for showing me around your hometown. This was a highlight of my career.
I’m so fortunate to get to work with a myriad of different people/personalities…. It’s part of what keeps my job fresh. 9 times out of 10 I am meeting my clients for the first time at the shoot. I have no idea what they look like, how they interact, or whether they will even jive with me. Thankfully I’m a gal that gets along with most people, and this certainly helps! Lisa Marie and Codi hired me to shoot their engagement photos through Lisa Marie’s stepmother, so they were no exception to the rule. I really knew nothing about the two of them until our shoot. When I finally met Lisa Marie and Codi however, I instantly loved them. They are completely authentic and honest people. There was no bull with these two—they were frank about what they wanted and straight to the point. A perfect example of this is, after I kept trying to pull all these tricks out of my bag to make Codi laugh or smile he finally turned to me and said, “No offense to you Julie, but I just don’t smile much”. I loved it! And I respected him the more for being honest and real. Smiles or none, this man has a great sense of humor and is smitten with Lisa Marie. After trying to put them into a box of the “giddy couple”, I finally let go and felt like I captured the two of them best when I asked them to “nuzzle”. This was natural to them. This is who they are as a couple—not bubbly or over the top energetic hipsters who want to jump in the air. They are Lisa Marie and Codi… who clearly love each other fiercely. And that is what they hired me to capture.
I have been very excited to post these images from Danielle and Andrew’s wedding…. it was such a fantastic celebration with the ceremony at University United Methodist church and the party at the Grant Humphreys Mansion– two of my favorite venues. The whole day felt relaxed and catered to fit Danielle and Andrew’s taste. My favorite touches to the day were the fantastic band, “Network!”, the vintage convertible limo, the lavender buds thrown instead of rice, and the very special surprise from Danielle’s brother. Danielle and Andrew are two cool cats who were a pleasure to work with… I’m excited to document this family as they grow. P.S. Danielle is expecting–stay tuned for the maternity session!
I loved this moment of joy shared between Danielle and Andrew’s mothers
This may be an outtake. I craked up when editing this image and noticed everybody’s expression. I don’t think people were exactly excited that I was photographing Danielle while she was brushing her teeth… I admit–sometimes I do feel like paprazzi!
…And the big surprise of the day–Danielle’s brother, who was originally not going to be able to make it to the wedding, made a surprise entrance right before Danielle put her dress on! Danielle was immediately moved to tears—along with the rest of us in the room. It was a great moment!
Loved the Lavender! It’s my favorite flower and herb… the smell lingered on me for hours and I’m still pulling buds out of my shoot sac. I’m sure Danielle had quite the collection down her dress, too!
Great moment between Father and Son…
Receiving lines are great—there are so many emotions to capture—and it’s far better, in my opinion to the dreaded table rounds.
Check out this vintage convertible limo! Not easy to park downtown, but so fun!
I took a minute during the first dance to check out the reactions of the guests watching… this shot summed up the love.
Awwwww…. the father-daughter dance always gets me. The emotion on Danielle’s face is priceless.
Network is now one of my favorite cover bands in Denver—they had the crowd rockin’!
This is not really a workshop, and I’m sorry if I have led some of you want-to-be photographers on with this headline. It’s actually a weight loss support group that I am hoping to lead. I probably should have titled this entry, “Bikini Meltdown”, because that is what it is, really. I just arrived home from the most needed vacation in Hilton Head Island, SC. It was complete with long evening walks, mint juleps, the best and freshest seafood I have had in years, kayaking, sun worshiping etc, etc… it would have been absolutely perfect had I not put on the dreaded bikini. All I can say is serious, meltdown! This sounds vain, I know, but I was in hysterics about the muffin top that loomed above my bikini bottoms and wouldn’t even take my towel off so that Jesse could see me. I have never, ever been a bikini girl, mind you. I have always been the good ole’ sports tank swimsuit girl who wears cover ups and slowly de-robes as she enters the pool, inch by inch so as not to get it wet, but still remained covered at all times. I really wish I would have gone this route in Hilton Head, but Jesse encouraged me to put on a bikini– telling me there is really no reason I should look like a mom before I am one in that frumpy one piece tank. So I gathered all the courage I could muster (liquid of course) and bought a bikini from the TJ Max down the street. It was all downhill from there.
This may be TMI for most of you, but I’m blogging about this because for some reason, putting my thoughts and opinions out there on the inter-web for others to see and read, somehow seems to be a catharsis for me….It becomes “real”. I try to blog about everything from inspiring sabbaticals to Paris to some of my more trying moments with clients. Today I’m blogging about my shame and long life battle with my body image. I wouldn’t call myself fat by means—maybe a little “pleasantly plump”. But I have, since the age of 14 struggled with food, eating issues and body image. You can ask my mom, after every singe meal or snack I would ask her, “Do I look fatter to you”? Logically, of course there is no way that one could look fatter after eating one healthy meal, but that gives you a better picture of my relationship with food. Food has been both my enemy and my console. And every minute of my life feels like another minute of failure when it comes to self-acceptance and/or looking and feeling the way I would like.
Enough is enough. The bikini did me in. I am going to make some serious changes to my lifestyle… both with food and also with how I view myself. It’s ironic that I see every body so unique and beautiful when photographing it, but with my own there so much disgust and shame. I am 32 years old. If I don’t start loving my body now, I never will. So without further ado, I am starting a weight loss support group. Let me preface this by saying this is not a diet, but a program that changes the way we view food. The program is called Prism and is based on biblical principals and address the whole person–body, mind, spirit. The bible verse that inspired this program is Romans 12:1-2 which says “Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Amen.
I am hoping to get a group of 10 together which will meet at my studio once a week on Monday evenings to encourage and inspire each other to commit to this lifestyle change. There will be no humiliating weigh-ins, and I won’t be a Nazi leader up there telling you what “not to eat” or that have done “wrong” each week. Because, let’s be honest here… I’ll be on this road with you. I want to foster confidence, a change in the way we view our bodies, how we deal with our emotions and anxieties and how we view food. And I’d like to drop 15 pounds, of course! If any of you are interested please reply to this blog or shoot me an email to [email protected]. I’m hoping to kick this off on Monday April 19th at 6pm at my studio on 2405 W 32nd Ave Denver, CO 80211. Please come and check it out. There is no pressure and I won’t ask you to commit until you are ready to. I can’t think of a better time to get working on those bikini bodies (and minds) and support each other each week. And of course it will be a great excuse to get together once a week for fellowship and laughter…
It was so fun for me to go to the Rhodes house to catch up and formally meet their 17 month old, Jack. I shot Alison and Trevor’s wedding back in 2005 and I couldn’t wait to get my camera on this threesome. This shoot was all about Jack… he wouldn’t dare sit still for the camera, but insisted on running, jumping and going the opposite direction of where we would. I loved it!! This kiddo is quite precocious and certainly marches to the beat of his own drummer. He’s got Alison and Trevor running all over the place. But they are in love and having the time of their life with this little guy. Wouldn’t you be?!
What a beautiful couple, No? Kara and Calvin are adorable… she is just a little peanut, and he is a very tall man. I love it! We started the shoot at the Denver Diner where Kara and Calvin had their first date and then meandered around 15th in some very, very windy conditions! The elements made for some serious flashing (on my part). Note to self: no dresses on windy days. It was worth it though to get the laughter and reactions from Kara and Calvin. All in all, this shoot was one of my favorite engagement sessions ever and I’m very much looking forward to Kara and Calvin’s wedding in June.
I was laughing out loud last night as I edited these images—this little man had me in stitches with his expressions! He looks just like a little man… and have you ever seen better eye brows on a baby? This one is going to grow up sharp witted and handsome. Watch out, ladies!
Jack with his mom, Becky.
This is a candid image of Jack with his cousin, Brayden. I love that it looks like they are having a serious conversation…
I know little Jack because he is my friend, Anne’s nephew. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting all of Anne’s sisters at one point or another but never all at the same time, and with their babies! I had to snag a family pic! Aren’t they gorgeous?
From left to right: Anne, Becky, Jack, Sarah, Brayden, and Melissa!
It’s been awhile since I’ve had a first birthday shoot! I love these sessions…. there is nothing easier in my opinion, than photographing young children who are still not “conscious” of having their portrait taken. They don’t pose, and they have so many cute little expressions. As long as Mom and Dad are cool with the photos being more of a “day in the life of” portrait, then the shoot is a sure thing. Today I had the opportunity to document Adrienne’s first year photos along with her big sister, Ryan. Ryan was a riot, as you can see by the images below and was also great to document, but in a completely different manner. These little girls are sweet, sweet sisters who clearly love each other. I hope I get to document these little ladies for years to come!
I think Adrienne is going to be a little scholar and care-taker… I love this series of images of her playing by herself with her books and her stuffed animals. Adrienne may be an introvert, like me!
Ahhhhh…. the emotions! They always get me. And Allie and Hugo’s wedding was chalk full of them. From tears and laughter, to some of the most sentimental moments I’ve had the pleasure of documenting, Allie and Hugo’s wedding was the perfect way to start off my wedding season! I simply adore Allie and Hugo! They are so much fun and I’ve had a great time getting to know them and their family over the last couple of years. Allie and Hugo made family a huge part of their wedding day which was so nice to see. And better yet—their familes love eachother… I can’t imagine a more perfect union. God bless you, Allie and Hugo! Congratulations!
I had the pleasure and honor of photographing this fantastic, up and coming Denver band, Jesse Daniel and the Reckoning…. This is just the first shoot of I hope many, for their upcoming promo packets and releases.
From left to right: Josh Fuller (bass guitar), John Getter (guitar), Brian LePien (drums) and Jesse Chatham (vocals and guitar)
It was such a pleasure to get to photograph Amy and John’s intimate wedding last Friday at Della Terra in Estes Park. Although I love working with a second shooter, it was a treat to get to have these two all to myself and to document their special day in such an editorial manner. Amy and John were planning on getting married next year, but Amy found out that she was expecting, so they pushed the wedding back to February…. which I think is so unbelievably romantic! I love winter weddings.
I just have to say that Amy and John are madly in love. I can see this. I shoot enough weddings to see genuine, true love. These two have it and I was brought to tears again and again just seeing the way they simply looked at each other. This blog post is very “ceremony heavy”, but I thought it was one of the most beautiful and authentic ceremonies that I’ve been to. And I can’t complain about the gorgeous light pouring in from behind, either! Congratulations, Amy and John. I hope to see you soon for some belly shots!
Long story short, I wrecked my 70-200mm lens at Jesse Daniel and the Reckoning on Thursday night… So I shot this entire session with a 50mm 1.4 which, although already my very favorite lens, having to rely on it so heavily during this engagement shoot really reminded me of why it’s my favorite lens. On top of the amazing shallow depth of field it offers, the 50mm forces a photographer to move. There is no zooming here—just me, the photographer, moving around with a fixed lens to get the perfect shot. I love that composition was changed by me getting out of my comfort zone and moving in…. making the images feel even more intimate and romantic. Speaking of romantic…Lauren and Bryan were wonderful! I was a little nervous, because Lauren being the spicy little thing that she is, came right out when we met and said, “I don’t want anything cheesy, like….” referring to some of the shots on my website. Immediately, I was worried that they would think everything I asked them to do would be “cheesy”. Luckily, these two cats are so much in love, that they cuddled and “nuzzled” giving me a plethora of beautiful, romantic shots without me having to pose them or ask them to “roll on the grass” or “jump in the air”. They also played hard with their exuberant dog, Nala. We had a riot around Commons Park and landed at Mcloughlin’s for shots of Jameson. Very good times with Lauren and Bryan and Nala!
Pure, good ole’ fashioned rock n’ roll is what I would call Jesse Daniel and the Reckoning… Vocal are like those of Billy Corgan, the songwriting compares to that of Josh Ritter and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and their sound, a hybrid of Soundgarden and The Kings of Leon, with seductive bass lines, and guitar breaks that keep you groovin’. But if you really want to get a taste of this handsome quartet, then you must come out to the Larimer Lounge tomorrow (2/25) to see them live. Show starts at 11p. I’ll be there drinking $2 PBRs, and if they can pack the house with 49 more music (or beer) enthusiasts, Jesse Daniel and the Reckoning will be playing the Bluebird! So get off your couch or make some coffee if you’re generally a “pumpkin” by this hour and rally! It will be completely worth it. You’ll be able to one day say, “Hey, man—I saw Jesse Daniel and the Reckoning at the Larimer Lounge one night before they went platinum!” Did I mention that Jesse Daniel is my husband?
If you’re coming, print out this JPEG. It will save you half off at the door/ normally $8 but only $4 with this coupon.
I feel like I’ve known Jessica my whole life—like she is an old friend. But that’s not exactly the case—we’ve only known each other for about a year, and in that year, we’ve only met up in person 4 or 5 times. Jessica entered my “love song cover contest” last Valentines day on my blog and cracked me up immediately. She then came in to interview for my personal assistant position and, well the rest is history! When I met Adam, I felt equally as comfortable as I did with Jess the first time we met. They are just those kind of people who make you feel at home no matter what the situation. They are genuine sweethearts! I had to share this email from Jessica that she sent a year ago, because I think it’s a great proposal story. Especially the part where Adam faked a fall on the slopes. Classic! Check it out:
“Adam proposed when we were skiing at Mary Jane. We go up there a lot so it was the perfect setting, especially because it was a gorgeous, warm, blue sky day in the mountains. Not sure if you’re familiar with Mary Jane at all, but at the very top of the mountain there is an area called Parsons Bowl so we rode the lift up there with his cousin and cousin’s girlfriend who were in town from D.C. for the weekend. All of a sudden his cousin & cousin’s girlfriend said they were going to ditch us so they could race each other down the hill. I thought that was a little strange but was like whatever, I guess that’s what out-of-towners do when they come here to ski So Adam and I were skiing by ourselves and all of sudden he took a spill and was really slow to get up so I skied over to where he was and he was still on the snow grasping his knee in pain. I was really worried he might have torn something since he has bad knees to begin with! So I told him he should pop out of his skis and stretch a little to see if that would help. Well when he popped out of his skis, he also popped out the ring and proposed! I couldn’t believe it was happening then and there but was so excited and surprised that I said yes right away and we skied down to the bottom of the mountain and met up with his cousin and had some celebratory shots at the Cable Car!!! I couldn’t have asked for a better proposal, because not only was it a surprise but it was at one of our favorite places and doing one of our favorite activities…..”
Aren’t they adorable?! And their sweet little husky, Kiva wasn’t too bad, herself! We had a great time meandering around Jefferson park… it was a very easy and comfortable shoot–again, like I have known them for years! I’m very much looking forward to their wedding in June.
Leah and Phil were married Saturday at the Westin Tabor Center in downtown Denver. I have to say, working with Stacy Pisani of Alexan Events is simply a treat. This wedding was stunning–maybe one of the most beautiful winter celebrations that I have even been a part of. There were hundreds of candles, vintage jewelry, gorgeous flowers and a beautiful, beautiful couple. Leah looked like a princess and while I didn’t ask Phil what he thought of his bride, there was no need. His eyes said it all. He was mesmerized…
Lighting this event was no easy feat however. Candles and twilight make for a very difficult white balance situation with the mixture of all the warm and cool tones. To top it off, when you have 20 other guests using direct flash on the bride or the large windows facing downton, it is a lighting nightmare! I stuck to “Julie’s rule of thumb” though and focused on getting the moment and trusting my instincts technically, instead of fretting about the light, where to set up my flash and what shutter speed to use to both capture the ambient light, and still have my subjects in focus. I hope these images convey the beauty of the day and the gorgeous design and decor. One thing is for sure—they do convey the emotional highlights of Leah and Phil’s most important day… the laughter was contagious… doesn’t an image say 1000 words?
The bridesmaids had the best jewelry! The earrings and necklaces were to die for. And better yet, they were handmade by Phil’s mother…
And this hairpiece was dreamy! A gorgeous, artdeco piece of art!
It’s easy to get caught up in the hoopla of a wedding day… but I appreciate it when I see my clients take a “time-out” for a blessing… what a wonderful way to start “forever”.
For those of you who insist on using “actions”, just mix tungsten light with incandescent and you’ll naturally get that “70′s” feel. Haha! I tried working this image to balance the whites, but ended up liking it just the way it was…
Leah and Phil met before the ceremony to take communion together. I was honored to get to witness and document such a private and sacred ritutual.
Here’s the tungsten/incandescent thing again… I actually love mix of hues in this image.
Stacy Pisani did an amazing job designing this room. It’s not alwasy easy to work with hotels, but this ceremony site felt like a romantic scene out of an old movie… it was perfect.
I don’t want to eat my words and actually thank people for pulling out their flash during the precession, but this time somebody’s direct light actually made the image! The picture before however was Leah with a red radar on her face. That one will also be black and white. Hee hee
Another “outtake” for my website!
Leah and Phil had a great party after the ceremoy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much joy and laughter! It truly was contagious.
You can probably tell by the Christmas tree in the last two photos, that once again, I am way behind in the blogging department. I loved these images so much, however that I had to post them no matter how dated they are. The Sanders were great! They won my “watch me grow” package in a silent auction for a cancer benefit so I wasn’t sure if they were familiar with my style. I was a little nervous that they would want a bunch of stiff posed family shots for a Christmas card, but they wanted just the opposite and proved to be my ideal clients! We played and laughed and had a great time in the snow and then decorating the Christmas tree! Good times with the Sanders!
Meet my dear, dear friend, Regina. Not only is she a brilliant photographer www.recherche-photography.com but she is one of my best friends. A spectacular person with a huge heart, a great sense of humor, and a passion for life, this little lady keeps me always inspired. Unfortunately, about a month ago I got an email from Regina with some sad news that her sweet dog, Obadiah has cancer. There are really no words to express the way one feels, hearing that one of their family members is on the way out… but Regina, of all the people in the world is dealing with this news with grace, and is spending a lot of time with Obadiah and of course her other dog, Finnegan and husband, Jay. Not really knowing how else to express my sympathies, I offered to go over to the Mountjoys to take some photographs. These are just a few of the images that I got. Please keep the Mountjoys in your heart and prayers…
Finnegan and Obadiah (right)
Obadiah has the most sage expressions… He seems almost regal.
Look at those eyes!
Finnegan is Obadiah’s spry little brother. He is all play!
Obadiah is still enjoying the snow… so cute!
Regina’s husband, Jay made it home later so we went to Regina’s studio to snap a few candids of everybody hanging out…
I’m guessing that Sheri and Geoff take many pictures of their dog Newman, because the minute he saw the camera, he came in for his close up. He is quite the photogenic mutt! But Sheri and Geoff, who warned me that they were far less photogenic than Newman, certainly stole the show! They gave me quirky, intimate, fun, and sweet all in one shoot and I ended up with a set of engagement images that I hope display just a few of the ways that Sheri and Geoff connect. And if I ever need a dog model…. well, I’ll know who to call!
This one cracks me up!
Blue steel—literally.
I’m not sure what it is about this image that I love so much… it feels a little cold and eerie. You can almost hear florescent lights buzzing. Yet there is much comfort between Sheri and Geoff. I guess I love the juxtaposition.
These images feel a little voyeuristic to me, which is always a goal of mine–to remain invisible and capture life as if I weren’t there. Ashley and Joel are sweet, loving, and seem very private to me. I was so honored that they asked me to come document this pregnancy and stage in their lives. Ashley and Joel have three furry, and not so shy little friends who also participated in the shoot. Elmo, Henry and Lola are Ashley and Joel’s dogs who hammed it up for me, and made good distractions for Ashley and Joel, so that I could photograph this sweet time in their lives, as a journalist.
Another cold, winter engagement shoot at Chautauqua. I have to say I actually love these winter sessions. There is something about the way these cutties cuddle up in the snow and keep each other warm, that reminds me of an old 1940′s holiday song—super romantic! Katie and Chris were great sports playing, sitting and even laying in the snow and practically going numb from the cold temperatures. But I’m pretty sure they thoroughly enjoyed the hour together. They are in love—all kisses and giggles. Thanks for braving the elements, you two! I’m more excited for July, than ever!
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